Ballack: Ozil must do more

Wednesday 04 June 2014

Michael Ballack has called on Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil to step up his performances for Germany at the World Cup, according to ESPN.

Ozil was booed off by Germany’s fans as he was substituted during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Cameroon and Ballack has suggested the playmaker isn’t in the right frame of mind for the tournament. “It's difficult to say where his head is going to be at the World Cup,” the former Chelsea man said.

“I saw him play for the national team at the weekend and I was not surprised, not scared, but a little bit concerned, by his performances.

“He has done well for Germany, and he played well during the qualifying campaign, but in the last few months, since his move to Arsenal, he has not been the same player, in terms of his confidence that we used to see in the national team,” Ballack added.

Ballack added that it was mentality that Ozil lacked, calling on the former Real Madrid player to stand up and be counted. “He is not a leader on the pitch, like a captain,” Ballack lamented. “People expect so much of him, but he can improve his body language massively because he is now at an age where he is no longer a young talent or a promising player.

“As one of our best players he has to take more responsibility, and we expect more from him at the moment,” Ballack went on. “Hopefully, when the World Cup starts, we will see a different player.”

Ozil moved to Arsenal last summer from Madrid and became the Gunners’ record signing. He made 40 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, scoring seven goals, helping Arsenal to fourth place in the Premier League and success in the FA Cup.

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